Laurien Hayes

 

by Jane Kendall
Photography by Christian Lee

 

At the age of 29, Laurien Hayes has already been to more places and sampled more cultures than many will ever have the opportunity to experience. Born in Laurel, Md., the middle child of Susan and Douglas Hayes, Laurien was exposed to volunteerism at an early age. Alongside her parents, she delighted in being of service to her community, whether it was for a church project, community event or helping out in the local food pantry. Although she didn’t know what it was called when she was young, her heart, mind and spirit were guiding her toward the noble path of social work.

Following high school, Laurien attended East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2007. After graduation, she decided to take a break from formal studies. Influenced by her older brother, who had recently spent a year teaching in inner city schools in East Harlem with the AmeriCorps “City Year” program, Laurien decided to find a program that would be the best fit for her. She chose the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)—a team-based, residential, national service program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24. The program offered her the opportunity to travel with 11 others and engage in service projects all over the country. They were given a 12-passenger van and an itinerary with assignments for a year.

The group’s first project was with Habitat for Humanity in Musicians’ Village in New Orleans. Their less-than-luxurious housing accommodations were at “Camp Hope,” a converted elementary school. From there they traveled to Hot Springs, S.D., where they spent a couple of months clearing forested trails in the nature conservancy. They experienced the most “deluxe” accommodations of the year at this location in a private home. Next stops were the Eldorado National Forest in California and the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada for a three-month assignment. Here, these 12 young and eager adventurers, trained to be wildland firefighters. They got suited up each day with fire-fighting gear on their backs and hiked for a mile or more into the woods to dig fire lines—trenches placed to contain fires and keep them from spreading. At this location housing was very basic—tents in the woods, with shower and bathroom trailers nearby. Next, they ventured to Miami, where they were assigned to various Habitat for Humanity projects in “Little Haiti.” They lived in an open room in a community center with walls made of sheets purchased from the local thrift store.

One of the greatest gifts from this year long experience, Laurien shared, was the forever friendships that resulted from living and working so closely together. The skills she developed, the ability to adapt in many environments, the exposure to many diverse people and places across the country, and the opportunities to make a difference have been invaluable to her ongoing personal and professional growth.

Once her assignment was complete, Laurien carefully chose her next step. She used her earnings and the final stipend from AmeriCorps to help fund graduate school. In 2009, she realized her dream of earning a master's degree in social work from the University of Baltimore. After graduating, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Today, she is a lieutenant and is stationed at the Naval Hospital in Beaufort. As a social worker in the clinic, Laurien offers assistance to Navy personnel and their families to address habits, behaviors, stress, worries or emotional concerns about physical or other life problems that are interfering with their daily life or overall health.

Laurien is truly passionate about her career. “There are so many diverse places where you can serve and so many lives you can touch,” she said. She loves to encourage others to consider the opportunities the social work career path affords for self growth and contribution. Laurien’s advice to others who are sorting out life choices: “It’s OK to take risks and find something you really like.”

Up Close:

Next great adventure: Getting married in Baltimore on April 11 to Will Partington. Laurien was introduced to Will five years ago when her best friend and Will’s best friend (who are dating) arranged for them to meet.

Favorite free-time activities: Volunteering for Hope Haven (Children’s Advocacy and Rape Crisis Center), Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse (CODA) and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA); working with the Junior Service League of Beaufort, raising funds for organizations that serve women and children; and hiking and exploring Hunting Island with her furry friend Ziggy, a 95-pound brindle mutt.

Words to live by: “All things are difficult before they are easy.” - Thomas Fuller “Live the life you love. Love the life you live.” -Bob Marley